Free-standing training bag

ABSTRACT

A free-standing bag base suitable for supporting a training bag weighing up to about 275 lbs. The base of the bag is configured to enable the user to approach the bag&#39;s punching surface without impediment. Additionally, to improve access to the bag, the post is angled away from perpendicular.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/212,309 filed on Jun. 18, 2021.

BACKGROUND

Boxers and martial artists often practice punching combinations and leg kicks on punching bags to safely train striking techniques. Free-standing bags, a common training tool, have the advantage of nonpermanent installation and may be moved when not in use. FIG. 1 depicts a prior art free-standing weighted training bag 1. The prior art configuration utilizes a weighted base 3 to ensure it remains upright while a user punches or kicks padded bag 5. These configurations also have a post 4 which supports bag 5. To perform optimally, a freestanding bag base may weigh up to 275 lbs. when filled. Due to the design of the base 3 and vertical post 4, the center of gravity (CG) is relatively high in current free-standing bags. In the prior art configuration vertical post 4 is located on the vertical axis 8 of the CG.

Current free-standing weighted training bags 1 have several drawbacks. In particular, these bags have an undesirable constraint zone 7. Constraint zone 7 limits the approach to bag 5. Thus, a new design for free-standing bags which removes the constraint zone 7 while also providing stability is desirable.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a weighted free-standing training bag 10. The weighted free-standing training bag comprises a weighted base 12 having at least two detachable segments 12 a, 12 b, a bottom surface 14, a front edge 13 and at least one compartment 15 suitable for receiving a first mass having a mass between about 50 kg and about 100 kg. Additionally, the weighted base includes a base post 16 and a base stem 17 having a central axis. The base post is removably secured to said weighted base and projects upwardly from said weighted base at an angle between about 5° and about 10° from a vertical axis passing through a center of gravity 20 located within said weighted base. Likewise, the base stem is positioned over the base post and the central axis defined by the base stem corresponds to the axis defined by the base post. Positioned on the base stem is a training bag 18 having a centrally located slot 26, a front upper bag edge 22 and a front lower bag edge 24. In the assembled configuration of the weighted free-standing training bag, said base stem is positioned within said slot. The training bag provides a second mass between about 1 kg and about 5 kg. The total masses of the base, the post, the stem and the bag will generally range from about 50 kg to about 100 kg. Additionally, the total masses determine a location for the center of gravity of said weighted free-standing training bag. The center of gravity is located between about 7 inches and about 10 inches above the bottom surface of the weighted base. The front edge of the weighted base is located between a vertical plane defined by the front lower edge of the bag and the central axis of the base stem. The front lower edge of the bag is located between about 13 inches and about 19 inches from the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity. The front upper edge of the bag is located between about 15 inches and about 24 inches from the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a prior art free-standing bag.

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the improved weighted free-standing training bag.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the improved weighted free-standing training bag identifying certain zones associated with the configuration of the weighted bag.

FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the weighted base with post.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a component making up the weighted base.

FIG. 6 is a base stem.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the bag.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the weighted free-standing training bag.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment having only three base segments.

FIGS. 10-13 depict the difference in forces as experienced by prior art weighted free-standing training bag and the improved weighted free-standing training bag.

FIG. 14 depicts one embodiment of the improved weighted free-standing training bag.

FIG. 15 one embodiment of the improved weighted free-standing training bag.

FIGS. 16A-D depicts a top view, a bottom view, a side view and a perspective view of a base stem.

FIGS. 17A-F depict one embodiment of a portion of the weighted base.

FIGS. 18A-F depict one embodiment of another portion of the weighted base.

FIGS. 19A-E depicts one embodiment of weighted free-standing training bag as assembled but lacking the bag.

FIGS. 20A-B and 21A-B depict the interlocking relationship of the weighted base.

FIGS. 22A-C depict front, side and rear views of the weighted base with base stem installed respectively.

FIG. 23 depicts the tipping point angle for a prior art weighted bag.

FIG. 24 depicts the tipping point angle for an embodiment of the improved weighted bag.

FIG. 25 depicts the location of the X and Y axes for the CG of the prior art weighted bag and the post of the prior art weighted bag.

FIG. 26 depicts the location of the X and Y axes for the CG of the improved weighted free-standing training bag and the X and Y axes of the post of the improved weighted free-standing training bag.

FIGS. 27A-E depict side, front, top, bottom and perspective view respectively of one embodiment of the improved weighted free-standing training bag.

FIGS. 28A-B depict the interlocking relationship of the components of the weighted base of one embodiment of the improved weighted free-standing training bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawings included with this application illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments described herein. However, the drawings should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to these detailed descriptions. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.

Throughout this disclosure, the terms “about”, “approximate”, and variations thereof, are used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation or error for the device, system, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

FIG. 1 depicts a prior art free-standing weighted training bag 1. As discussed above, the prior art training bag 1 has a constraint zone 7. In contrast to prior art weighted training bag 1, the improved weighted free-standing training bag 10 depicted in FIGS. 2-8 lacks a constraint zone between a front lower edge 24 of training bag 18 and the front edge 13 of weighted base 12. An additional advantage provided by weighted free-standing training bag 10 is the segmented construction of weighted base 12. The segmented construction of weighted base 12 improves the ability to transport weighted free-standing training bag 10 to different locations.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-8 , weighted free-standing training bag 10 includes a weighted base 12. As depicted in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 , weighted base 12 has at least two fitted, detachable segments 12 a, 12 b. At least one segment includes a compartment 15 suitable for receiving a mass. Typically, the mass will be water, sand or metal pellets. In most instances, segments 12 a, 12 b are hollow with the entire inner region of segments 12 a, 12 b defining compartment 15. Generally, a removable lid or cap 19 will be provided for ease of adding and removing weight. Base 12 also has a rear edge 11 located on segment 12 c.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , weighted base 12 has four detachable segments 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d. Each segment 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d will generally include a compartment 15 suitable for receiving a mass such as sand or water. Thus, each segment 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d provides a stabilizing mass to weighted free-standing training bag 10.

Generally, the total mass within weighted base 12 will be between about 50 kg and about 100 kg. More commonly, the total mass in weighted base 12 will be between about 72 kg and 90 kg. The total mass required in weighted base 12 will vary depending on the configuration of weighted free-standing training bag 10. If weighted free-standing training bag 10 is configured as a youth model, then weighted base 12 will require less mass for stability.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 , lateral segments 12 b,d of weighted base 12 may contain from 25 kg to about 35 kg of added mass. Typically, lateral segments 12 b,d will contain about 30 kg. In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , front and back segments 12 a and 12 c, respectively, may contain from about 40 kg to 50 kg of added mass. Typically, segments 12 a,c will contain about 45 kg. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 27A-E and 28A-B, front segment 12 a may be omitted to further reduce the constraint zone 7. In these embodiments, segment 12 c may contain from about 40 kg to 50 kg of added mass.

The embodiment of FIGS. 27A-E and 28A-B depict an alternative interlinking arrangement for joining segments 12 b, c and d. As best seen in the bottom view of FIGS. 27D and 28B, interlinking elements 38 and 39 provide a snap fit or tab and lock type arrangement for securing segments 12 b and 12 d to 12 c. As depicted segment 12 c carries linking element 38 in the form of an outwardly projecting flange with one or more receiving slots 42. Each segment 12 b and 12 d carries linking element 39 in the form of at least one outwardly projecting tongue or tab 44 configured to slide into and frictionally engage slot 42 thereby securing segments 12 b and 12 d to segment 12 c. In the embodiment of 27A-E and 28A-B, each segment will typically include a hollow chamber or compartment 15 for receiving a mass. As depicted, each segment includes a cap 19 for retaining the mass within compartment 15.

FIGS. 17A-F depict an embodiment of weighted base 12, wherein segments 12 a and 12 c are formed in a single integral component. As depicted, the entire interior of the integral component 12 a, 12 c forms chamber 15 and chamber 15 can be filled with any conveniently available mass such as water, metal pellets or sand by removal of cap 19.

Likewise, FIGS. 18A-F depict and embodiment wherein segments 12 b and 12 d are formed in a single integral component. As depicted the entire interior of the integral component 12 b, 12 d forms chamber 15 and chamber 15 can be filled with any convenient mass such as metal pellets, water or sand by removal of cap 19. Integral components 12 a,c and 12 b,d have a length E ranging between about 36 inches and about 38 inches.

Each segment of weighted base 12 is secured to the adjacent segments through an interlocking mechanism or any other convenient device including but not limited to: snap click locking mechanisms, nuts and bolts, screws passing through one segment into an adjacent segment and other similar joining devices. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 12 depicts the use of a strap 32 carried by bag 18. Strap 32 passes under and around segments 12 thereby securing bag 18, segments 12 a-d, base post 16 and base stem 17 in the assembled configuration. FIG. 13 depicts a configuration with a shortened version of bag 18. In this embodiment, a retaining hoop 34 is placed over base stem 17. Hoop 34 carries retaining strap 32 which passes under and around segments 12 a-d of weighted base 12. Thus, the various embodiments of weighted free-standing training bag 10 may be readily disassembled for relocation and/or transportation.

Base post 16 of weighted base 12 supports an upwardly projecting base stem 17. Base post 16 may be integrally formed with one or more of segments 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d or may be a separate component removably secured to weighted base 12 by any convenient device. For example, a threaded bolt, not shown, may extend from the bottom of base stem 17 and be received in a corresponding threaded hole within any one of segments 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d. While the foregoing references four segments, as discussed above, weighted base may have as few as two segments. Optionally, base post 16 and base stem 17 may be integrally formed as a single component.

Base post 16 is secured to weighted base at an angle other than vertical with respect to the bottom surface 14 of weighted base 12. The central axis of base post 16 will generally define an angle between about 5° and about 10° with respect to a vertical axis 36 passing through the center of gravity 20 located within weighted post 16. As depicted in the FIGS., base post 16 is angled away from base segment 12 c. In most instances, the angle defined by the central axis of base post 16 will be between about 6° and about 8°. Typically, the angle defined by the central axis of base post 16 will be about 7.5°. As depicted in FIG. 2 , the angle defined by the central axis of base post 16 with respect to vertical axis 36 passing through the center of gravity 20 eliminates the constraint zone which limits the use of the prior art free-standing weight bag.

Base post 16 supports base stem 17. The central axis of base stem 17 is aligned with and is a continuation of the central axis defined by base post 16. Base stem 17 may be secured by any conventional arrangement to base post 16 including but not limited to friction fit, adhesives, threaded connections and/or threaded connectors. Further, as depicted in FIG. 2 , the angle defined by the central axis of base post 16 and base stem 17 is forward of center of gravity 20.

Training bag 18 has a slot 26 which receives base stem 17. Slot 26 may be of any configuration. Typically, the configuration of slot 26 will correspond in shape to the exterior of base stem 17. As depicted in FIGS. 19A and 27A, base stem 17 may carry threads or grooves configured to engage with elements, i.e. corresponding threads, grooves or pins, within the interior of slot 26 and assist in retaining bag 18 on base stem 174. With training bag 18 installed on base stem 17, the mass of training bag 18, the mass of base post 16, the mass of base stem 17 (about 3 kg to 8 kg for total mass of base post 16 and base stem 17) and the total mass of weighted base 12 determines the location of the center of gravity (CG) 20. The location of CG 20 provides stability to weighted free-standing training bag 10. As depicted in FIG. 2 , the location of CG 20 is considerably lower than the CG 6 of prior art weighted bag 2. The lower CG 20 of weighted free-standing training bag 10 contributes to the elimination of the constraint zone from the improved weighted free-standing training bag 10. The total mass of weighted free-standing training bag 10 will typically be between about 50 kg and 100 kg. More commonly, weighted free-standing training bag 10 will have a mass between about 72 kg and 90 kg. Most commonly, training bag 18 will have a mass of about 90 kg. Due to the described configuration of weighted base 12 and the angle of the central axis passing through base post 16 and base stem 17, weighted free-standing training bag 10 having a total mass of 90 kg will be as stable as a prior art training bag system 1 having a total mass of 125 kg.

The lower CG 20 provides the ability to angle base stem as discussed above without loss of stability. As such, CG 20 is typically between about 7 inches and about 10 inches above bottom surface 14. Distance A in FIG. 2 . More commonly, CG 20 is between about 7 inches and about 9 inches above bottom surface 14. Generally, CG 20 is about 8 inches above bottom surface 14. With the lower CG 20, the weighted free-standing training bag 10 can be configured such that front lower edge 24 of training bag 18 is between about 13 inches and about 19 inches in front of vertical axis 36 passing through CG 20. Distance C in FIG. 3 . More commonly, front lower edge 24 of training bag 18 is between about 14 inches and about 17 inches in front of vertical axis 36 passing through CG 20. Generally, front lower edge 24 of training bag 18 is about 16 inches in front of vertical axis 36 passing through CG 20. Thus, front edge 13 of weighted base 12 is located between front lower edge 24 and the location where the axis defined by base post 16 and base stem 17 intersects bottom surface 14 of weighted base 12. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 2 , front upper edge 22 and front lower edge 24 of training bag 18 are located forward of front edge 13 of weighted base 12.

Likewise, front upper edge 22 of training bag 18 is between about 15 inches and about 24 inches in front of vertical axis 36 passing through CG 20. Distance B in FIG. 3 . More commonly, front upper edge 22 of training bag 18 is between about 17 inches and about 22 inches in front of vertical axis 36 passing through CG 20. Generally, front upper edge 22 of training bag 18 is about 20 inches in front of vertical axis 36 passing through CG 20. Thus, the central axis of base post 16 and base stem 17 will normally pass in front of CG 20. In other words, the central axis of base stem 17 does not pass through CG 20.

Accordingly, the configuration of weighted free-standing training bag 10 places front upper bag edge 22 and front lower bag edge 24 forward of front edge 13 of weighted base 12. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 , this configuration eliminates or at least greatly reduces the constraint zone. As such, an individual using improved weighted free-standing training bag 10 has a greater range of available motion when practicing punches and kicks. Further the lower CG 20 within weighted free-standing training bag 10 improves the stability of weighted free-standing training bag 10 during practice sessions, i.e. weighted free-standing training bag 10 is less likely to tip over. See FIGS. 10-13 .

Additionally, as depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26 , improved weighted free-standing training bat 10 changes the position of base post 16 relative to the CG 20 as compared to the prior art free-standing training bag 1. Two forces counter impact energy applied by a strike to free standing weighted bag 6 and improved weighted free-standing training bag 10. These forces are static surface friction and resistance to rotation around the X axis of the CG. As depicted in FIG. 25 , in prior art free-standing training bag 1, the location of post 4 coincides with the location of CG 6. Thus, the X and Y axes of post 4, bag 5 and CG 6 all coincide. As a result, energy resulting from an impact on bag 5 acts on equally on all components. In contrast, as depicted in FIG. 26 , improved weighted free-standing training bag 10 places the X axis of bag 18 about 13 inches to about 19 inches in front of the X axis of CG 20. The offset of the two X axis provided by the configuration of improved weighted free-standing training bag 10 increases resistance to tipping as energy applied to bag 18 is partially dissipated prior to acting on CG 20.

For devices such as depicted in FIGS. 10-13 and 23-24 , the tipping point equals the moment experienced at the upper end of base stem 17 (post 4 in the prior art) and the point at which the center of gravity 20 (CG 6 in the prior art) passes over the corner of the object's base. Thus, lowering the position of the CG and moving the CG back, i.e. moving vertical axis 36 passing through the CG 20 increases the force required to tip weighted free-standing training bag 10 when compared to the force required to tip the prior art weighted free-standing training bag 1. The estimated tipping point angle for the prior art weighted free-standing training bag 1 corresponds to an angle of 42° between the bottom of base 3 and the floor. In contrast, the tipping point angle for improved weighted free-standing training bag 10 corresponds to an angle of 73° between the bottom of weighted base 12 and the floor. As shown in FIGS. 23-24 , the tipping point angle of the bottom of the base to the floor corresponds to the point at which the CG of the base passes vertical axis 36 that is 90° relative to the corner of the base. Once the CG 6 has gone beyond 90° relative to vertical axis 36 passing through the back corner of weighted base 3 in the prior art and weighted base 12, the device will tip over. For prior art system 1 of FIG. 23 , the tipping point angle is 42°. In contrast, improved weighted free-standing bag 10 has a tipping point of 73°. Typically, the tipping point of improved weighted free-standing bag 10 will range from about 60° to about 80°. Thus, improved weighted free-standing training bag 10 has a tipping point angle of the bottom of the base to the floor which is 40° to 45° greater than prior art weighted free-standing training bag 1.

Further, as a result of the greatly increased tipping point angle provided by improved weighted free-standing training bag 10, the overall mass of weighted free-standing training bag 10 has been reduced when compared to the common 125 kg prior art training bag 1. Alternatively, one could opt to continue using a 125 kg weighted base thereby providing an exceptionally stable base when compared to the prior art.

Finally, when the user is striking the front of the weighted bag, the distance between acting forces and the tipping point has been increased from the prior art distance of 20″ to as much as 40″ for the improved weighted free-standing training bag 10. As depicted in FIGS. 10-13 , in the prior art bag 1 the force of a blow acts at the center of the bag and the top of the base; however, a blow to the front of the bag of weighted free-standing training bag 10 acts upon weighted bottom 12 and the front of weighted bottom segment 12 a. These improved characteristics are a result of the configuration of weighted free-standing training bag 10. Specifically, in the improved design, the distance from the front upper edge 22 of training bag 18 to base rear edge 11 of weighted base segment 12 c ranges between about 36″ to about 42″, more typically from about 38″ to about 40″. In contrast, the distances from the front of bag 5 to the rear of base 3 in prior art training bag 1 is about 20″.

Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art. As such, the foregoing description merely enables and describes the general uses and methods of the present invention. Accordingly, the following claims define the true scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A weighted free-standing training bag 10 comprising: a weighted base comprising at least two detachable segments, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and at least one compartment suitable for receiving a first mass; a base post having a central axis, said base post is removably secured to said weighted base and said base post projects upwardly from said weighted base at angle away from said rear edge; a base stem positioned on and secured to base post, said base stem is aligned with the central axis of said base post; a training bag having a centrally located slot, a front upper edge and a front lower edge, said training bag positioned on said base stem with said base stem positioned within said slot; said training bag has a second mass; the first mass and the second mass determine a location for a center of gravity of said weighted free-standing training bag.
 2. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein at least one detachable segment includes a compartment suitable for receiving a first mass.
 3. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said base post projects upwardly from said weighted base at an angle between about 5° and about 10° from a vertical axis passing through said center of gravity.
 4. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said center of gravity is located between about 7 inches and about 10 inches above said bottom surface of said weighted base.
 5. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said front lower edge of said training bag is located forward of said front edge of said weighted base.
 6. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said front lower edge of said training bag is located from about 13 inches to about 19 inches in front of a vertical axis passing through said center of gravity.
 7. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said weighted free-standing training bag lacks a constraint zone between said lower edge of said training bag and said front edge of said weighted base.
 8. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, further comprising a strap secured to said training bag, said strap passes under said weighted base.
 9. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said center of gravity is located between about 7 inches and about 10 inches above said bottom surface.
 10. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said front upper edge of said training bag is located from about 15 inches to about 24 inches in front of a vertical axis passing through said center of gravity.
 11. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein an X-axis of said training bag is located from about 13 inches to about 19 inches in front of an X-axis passing through said center of gravity.
 12. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said weighted free-standing training bag has a tipping point angle defined relative to said bottom surface of said weighted base of about 60° and about 80°.
 13. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein the front upper edge of said training bag to said rear edge of said weighted base is between about 36 inches and about 42 inches.
 14. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said weighted base comprises at least three detached segments.
 15. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 1, wherein said base post and said base stem are a single integral component.
 16. A weighted free-standing training bag 10 comprising: a weighted base comprising at least three detachable segments, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and at least one compartment suitable for receiving a first mass; a base post having a central axis, said base post is removably secured to said weighted base and said base post projects upwardly from said weighted base at angle between about 5° and about 10° from a vertical axis passing through a center of gravity 20 located within said weighted base; a base stem positioned on and secured to base post, said base stem is aligned with the central axis of said base post; a training bag having a centrally located slot, a front upper edge and a front lower edge, said training bag positioned on said base stem with said base stem positioned within said slot; said training bag has a second mass; the first mass and the second mass determine a location for the center of gravity of said weighted free-standing training bag, said center of gravity is located between about 7 inches and about 10 inches above said bottom surface of said weighted base.
 17. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 16, wherein at least one detachable segment includes a compartment suitable for receiving a first mass.
 18. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 16, wherein said front lower edge of said training bag is located from about 13 inches to about 19 inches in front of a vertical axis passing through said center of gravity.
 19. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 16, wherein said weighted free-standing training bag lacks a constraint zone between said lower edge of said training bag and said front edge of said weighted base.
 20. The weighted free-standing training bag of claim 16, wherein an X-axis of said training bag is located from about 13 inches to about 19 inches in front of an X-axis passing through said center of gravity. 